Visibly impressed, perhaps by the levels of poverty in the areas surrounding the educational centers that she visited or by the testimonies that she heard from project beneficiaries, Queen Sofia of Spain spent the first day of her busy agenda visiting a number of projects that receive support from the Spanish government.
“For Fundebmuni, with all my admiration for the work that is being done for the benefit of these children, assuring a positive future for the Dominican people. With all my love and affection, Sofia”.
The Queen wrote these words in the Visitors’ Book in the homework room of the Foundation for the Development and Welfare of the Woman and Children (Fundebmuni), located in the city of San Cristobal, where she ended the first day of her program of visits.
Earlier, on board a bus with her entourage headed by Spanish International Cooperation Minister Soraya Rodriguez and Spanish ambassador to the Dominican Republic Diego Bermejo, the Queen arrived at the Angelica Masse primary school in Villas Agricolas, opposite the New Market, where the mud, the lack of hygiene with which the food is sold in the plaza and the poverty provided a great contrast to the refined visit. The center, which was built with funds from the Spanish agency, cost more than RD$12 million and serves more than 300 first to fourth grade children.
The Queen was welcomed by Education Minister Melanio Paredes, Father Antonio Lluberes who represents the Faith and Happiness organization in the country, Roman Ramos of the Ramos Group (Pola, La Sirena), and Lissette Cruz, representing the school’s parents association.
Showing humility that at times bordered on a sort of shyness, the Queen listened attentively to the principals’ explanations about the workings of the schools she visited. She later dined at a restaurant in San Cristobal.
The visits continue today in several poor barrios of the capital, including Vietnam in Los Mina. Meetings with President Fernandez and the First Lady are also scheduled.